The Senate passed S. 679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011 by a vote of 79 – 20. Along with reducing the number of minor positions in executive agencies and departments subject to Senate approval, it also sets up a commission to create a standardized vetting process for all Presidential appointees.

The following 20 Senators Ayotte (R-NH),Boozman (R-AR), Burr (R-NC), Chambliss (R-GA), Coats (R-IN), Coburn (R-OK), Crapo (R-ID), DeMint (R-SC), Grassley (R-IA), Hatch (R-UT), Heller (R-NV), Inhofe (R-OK), Isakson (R-GA), Johnson (R-WI), Lee (R-UT), Moran (R-KS), Paul (R-KY), Risch (R-ID), Rubio (R-FL), Vitter (R-LA), voted against the bill primarily because two amendments to it were voted down. S.A.510, rejected by a vote of 41-57, would have retained the position of the Director, Bureau of Justice Statistics subject to Senate confirmation. S.A.499, rejected by a vote of 41 – 57, would have made the positions of White House Czars subject to Senate confirmation, and prohibit funds for salaries and expenses to them.